Holiday home with enclosed garden in Belgium: where your dog can roam safely
For dog owners, a fully enclosed garden is not a nice-to-have, it is a requirement. You want to enjoy your holiday without constantly chasing your dog or worrying that it will wander onto the road. In Belgium there are plenty of holiday homes that offer this, but you need to know what to look for. We explain what 'fully enclosed' means in practice, which regions have the best supply and what you should always check before booking.
A holiday home with a fully enclosed garden gives your dog the freedom to play outside safely without supervision. Always check the height of the fence, its condition and whether the gates close automatically. The Ardennes, the Kempen and the coastal polders have the largest supply.
What does 'fully enclosed' actually mean?
Hosts do not always use the term 'enclosed garden' in the same way. Some mean a low ornamental hedge that an adult dog can easily climb over. Others have a solid wooden fence of 1.5 metres or higher with a well-closing gate. The difference is significant, especially if you have an active or adventurous dog.
Check explicitly for each booking: how high is the fence? Does it go all the way around the garden? Do all gates close automatically? Are there gaps at the bottom? An experienced host will understand that you are asking these questions and will happily give you clear answers, possibly with photos of the fencing.
Also pay attention to materials. Metal wire mesh can sag over the years and develop gaps at the base. Wooden panel fencing is sturdy but can rot at the bottom. Asking about the age and maintenance of the fence is not excessive, it is simply sensible.
Regions with the most choice
The Ardennes have the largest supply of holiday homes with enclosed gardens in Belgium. Houses there are generally on large plots, often surrounded by forest or meadow. Ardennes hosts are used to dog owners and frequently adapt their accommodation accordingly. Search particularly in the Ourthe valley, the Fagne and the area around La Roche-en-Ardenne.
The Kempen is a good second choice. Houses sit on spacious plots and the flat terrain makes it easier to fully fence a garden. Walking opportunities in the immediate vicinity are plentiful. The Limburg and Antwerp Kempen offers comparable quality at a slightly lower price than the Ardennes.
On the Belgian coast, plots are smaller and most accommodation is apartments. However, in the polders behind De Panne and Nieuwpoort there are some rural holiday homes with enclosed gardens. These are popular, so booking early is wise.
What to check before booking?
Height of the fence: ask specifically whether the height is suitable for your dog. For a large dog or a jumper you need at least 1.5 metres. For small dogs, 80 centimetres is sometimes enough, but also check the mesh size if it is wire fencing.
The condition of gates and passages is at least as important as the fence itself. A gate that does not close properly or that a dog can simply push open is a safety risk. Ask whether the gates close automatically and whether there is an extra lock.
Outdoor space and shade: look at the garden from the dog's perspective too. Is there enough shade in summer? Is there an outdoor tap to rinse the dog off after a walk? Is the garden large enough to play in or is it more of a narrow patio with a fence?
Finally: the surroundings of the house. An enclosed garden is great, but the surroundings matter too. Is there a busy road nearby? Are there walking routes within easy reach? Are there other dogs nearby that could cause disruption? Check the location on Google Maps before booking.
Booking checklist for dog owners
- Fence height (minimum 1.2 m for medium-sized dogs)
- Material and condition of fencing (recently maintained?)
- Self-closing gates with a lock
- No gaps at the base of the fence
- Outdoor tap available
- Shade in the garden (covered terrace or trees)
- Walking routes within easy reach
- Dog supplement and maximum number of dogs allowed
Tips for the first night
Dogs are creatures of habit and can feel unsettled in a new environment. The first night in a holiday home is often exciting for many dogs. Introduce your dog to the garden before dark: let it sniff around calmly and inspect the fencing together. That way you can be sure there are no weak spots you had not noticed.
Always bring the dog's bed, toys and water bowl from home. Familiar scents help the dog relax more quickly. If your dog is restless during the night, letting it outside briefly to explore can help. After one night, most of the tension usually disappears.
Also check the entire fence again in daylight. You can sometimes see in daylight where the weak points are, for example a spot where the ground is slightly lower or where a plank is not properly fastened. Better to check early than to be surprised later.
Prices and what to expect
A holiday home with a fully enclosed garden costs on average 10 to 20% more than a comparable home without that feature. Supply is scarcer and demand from dog owners is high. In the Ardennes, a house for 4 to 6 people with an enclosed garden costs on average between 100 and 160 euros per night. In the Kempen it is slightly less, between 80 and 130 euros.
Also expect a dog supplement of 10 to 25 euros per dog per stay. Some hosts ask for a dog deposit on top of the regular deposit. Always ask about this before booking so you are not surprised on arrival.
Availability and recommended periods
Homes with enclosed gardens are most popular in the shoulder seasons, when dog owners avoid the crowds of the summer holidays. April, May, September and October are excellent months: the weather is pleasant, the paths are less busy and prices are often lower than in July and August.
Book early, especially if you are specifically looking for an enclosed garden. Supply is smaller than for homes without that feature, and in high season the most popular homes are fully booked well in advance. Booking three to six months ahead is sensible for popular periods.
Frequently asked questions
How high does a fence need to be for my dog?
That depends on the breed and character of your dog. For small dogs, 80 centimetres is often sufficient. For medium-sized dogs, count on a minimum of 1.2 metres. For large jumpers or retriever breeds, 1.5 metres or more is recommended. Always ask the host for the exact height.
Are there holiday homes with enclosed gardens on the Belgian coast?
Supply on the coast is more limited than in the Ardennes or the Kempen, but it does exist. Search in the polders behind De Panne, Nieuwpoort and Veurne. Book early as these homes fill up quickly.
What if the fence on arrival does not match the description?
Take photos and contact the host immediately. If the home does not match what was promised, you can file a complaint and potentially request a partial refund. Document everything carefully on arrival.
Can I leave my dog alone in the enclosed garden all day?
That depends on the host's conditions. Many hosts do not allow this or ask that you are not away for more than a few hours. Check this in the house rules before booking, especially if you are planning day trips.